Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
- Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Without Dual Rear Wheels)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (With Dual Rear Wheels)
Front Shock Absorber (2) - Remove - Shock Absorber Replacement
- Front Stabilizer Shaft Link - Remove - Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
- Support the front lower control arm near the front lower control arm ball joint with a suitable jack.
Install the CH-52078-2 upper compressor plate (1) into the front coil spring with the rod cavity facing upwards.
Make sure the thinner lip of the compressor plate is on the upper portion of the front coil spring and the thicker edge is on the lower portion of the front coil spring.
- Install the CH-52078-2
lower compressor plate (2) into the front coil spring with the rod cavity facing down.
Make sure the thinner lip of the compressor plate is on the lower portion of the front coil spring and the thicker edge is on the upper portion of the front coil spring.
- Install the CH-52078-1 threaded rod assembly (3) fully through both plates and rotate it 90 degrees to seat the rod into the upper plate.
- Install the CH-52078-4 lower pivot/slip nut onto the threaded rod and slide it upwards until it engages in the cavity in the lower plate.
- Install the 579454 thrust bearing and the 280962 washer onto the threaded rod assembly and seat them against the lower pivot/slip nut.
- Install the CH-52078-3
drive nut (4) and tighten until all of the other tool components are fully seated.
The tangs on the threaded rod assembly and the tangs on the pivot/slip nut MUST be seated correctly into the cavities of both compressor plates before continuing.
- Use a wrench on the flats of the CH-52078-1 threaded rod assembly (3) to keep the rod assembly from turning while turning the drive nut to compress the front coil spring using the compressor plates.
Continue to compress the front coil spring (1) to remove all tension from the front lower control arm.
Do NOT exceed more than 50 mm (2 in.) of front spring compression.
Front Lower Control Arm Nut (1) - Remove [2x]
- Front Lower Control Arm Washer (2) - Remove [2x]
- Front Lower Control Arm Bolt (3) - Remove [2x]
Using the jack, lower the front lower control arm (1) enough to allow the removal of the front coil spring.
- Front Coil Spring (2) - Remove
- Front Spring Insulator (3) - Remove
Count the number of coils between the compressor plates (a) and measure the compressed length of the front coil spring (b).
Record the data, as it will be used to determine the correct location of the compressor plates later during the installation of the new front coil spring.
- If replacing the front coil spring, remove the CH-52078 Coil Spring Compressor from the front coil spring.
If replacing the front coil spring, mark the location of the front coil spring insulator (2) in relationship to the front coil spring (1) at location (a) using a grease pencil.
- If replacing the front coil spring, slide the front coil spring insulator (2) off of the front coil spring (1).
Make sure the threaded rod is lightly lubricated with a thin layer of the 280934 extreme pressure threaded lube supplied with the special tool kit.
This part of the special tool is not shown in the graphic.
This part of the special tool is not shown in the graphic.
Note the orientation of the front coil spring in relationship to the frame and the front lower control arm prior to removal for proper installation.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.